Chancellor moves to show infrastructure commission has not been sidelined

The Chancellor has moved to make the National Infrastructure independent and give it a permanent role in the planning of transport and other infrastructure.

There had been disquiet over the last month that plans for a Commission to take the politics out of planning by taking an evidence-based view of the infrastructure needs of the country were being watered down after legislation was not brought forward to place it on a statutory footing as announced in the Queen's Speech. Philip Hammond yesterday announced the Commission will become an executive agency, part of a Government department as opposed to a non-departmental public body that would enjoy separation from ministerial control. But Hammond said a charter would detail "the Government's clear commitment to its independence".

An open competition will now be held to find the commission’s first permanent Chair and new additional commissioners. Lord Adonis commented: "Today's announcement is a big step towards providing the commission with the independence it needs to do thework. Now it is vital that we get the details right."